Wisdom and Christian Liberty

A new series for chapel atWSC started this semester, and the topic of discussion and exposition is wisdom literature and Christian liberty. The book of Proverbs is a book rich with the warnings to avoid folly and to seek wisdom, as I believe, is summed up by Pro. 1:7, “The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.”

It’s easy to look at the proverbs in a moralistic and legalistic framework. As we seek and proclaim Christ, we are reminded that our goal is to fear Him and obey His commandments, as per Ecc. 12:10.  Prof Van Ee exposited proverbs 20:1 in a clear and exciting way, which made me think about the dangers of alcohol abuse and how that intersects with Christiian liberty. Wine ia a mocker and beer is a brawler, and those led astray by them will not become wise. Not only are the immediate effects seen, but wisdom in the future is also ignored, even sometimes under the guise of Christian liberty.  The issue of alcohol consumption has been a hotly debated topic, and it has led to many a heated dispute within the church. In my walk with the Lord I have seen the temptation to swing between two extremes: a legalistic condemnation of drinking or an antinomian, lack of awarneness for the work of the Holy Spirit who convicts one of sin.

There have been times when I have been overwrought with guilt because I had a drink, and there have been times when I have overindulged while ignoring the Spirit’s prompting to examine my behavior and to repent of my excesses. It’s amazing that in both cases I end up loosing sight of Christ’s work on the cross and His promise of new life.  Using our liberty in Christ ought to be for His glory and kingdom. To neglect the care of a fellow believer for my own benefit is selfish; in fact, it puts my own interests above another.

There is a lot to consider about this issue, but I pray there will be spiritual discernment in how one uses their freedom in Christ. Whether one eats or drinks, may it be done for the glory of God.